Firefighting or rescue apparatus including a memory device to store and provide access to apparatus information

ABSTRACT

A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes a frame having a cab defining an interior within which a flash memory device is permanently mounted. The flash memory device is isolated so that it is incapable of receiving any onboard operating data pertaining to the operation and status of the firefighting apparatus. Instead, the device primarily stores data regarding a service manual, maintenance manual, electrical diagrams and/or troubleshooting guide related to the firefighting apparatus. The device is able to be selectively coupled to a portable computing device so that a user working on the firefighting apparatus can access the data without risk of loss or misplacement thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a firefighting apparatus, such as afire truck, a trailer or other vehicles, and more particularly to afirefighting apparatus with an integrated memory device that stores andprovides access to data and information regarding the firefightingapparatus.

Because they are so costly, fire trucks and rescue vehicles typicallyare designed to last many, many years. To aid in their longevity, mosttrucks are routinely serviced and maintained. To do so, service andmaintenance personnel typically refer to one or more service and/ormaintenance manuals regarding the trucks. They may also refer totroubleshooting guides to analyze issues with the truck.

Firetruck manuals and guides typically are provided by firetruckmanufacturers to fire departments and other purchasing entities inbound, multipage paperback form. Frequently, these paper manuals areshipped with the trucks upon first delivery of the truck. Over time, themanuals usually become soiled and torn after repeated use. The printedmanuals are also costly to print and distribute, and difficult to updateeffectively. Many times, with various personnel working on a particulartruck, the manuals become lost or misplaced, necessitating order of anew manual from the manufacturer. This can become costly for alreadycash strapped departments.

Accordingly, there remains room for improvement in the consistentprovision and secure, permanent retention of manuals, guides andinformation related to firefighting apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes a frame having a cabdefining an interior within which a flash memory device is permanentlymounted.

In one embodiment, the flash memory device primarily stores dataregarding a service manual, a maintenance manual, electrical diagrams,troubleshooting guides and/or other data and information pertaining tothe firefighting apparatus. The device can be isolated so that it isincapable of receiving any onboard operating data pertaining to theoperation and/or status of the firefighting apparatus.

In another embodiment, the flash memory device is able to be selectivelycoupled to a portable computing device so that a user working on thefirefighting apparatus can access the apparatus information without riskof loss or misplacement thereof.

In still another embodiment, the flash memory device is in the form ofan electronic (solid-state) non-volatile computer storage medium thatcan be electrically erased and reprogrammed or rewritten. Optionally,the storage medium can be read only in some applications so that itcannot be erased, reprogrammed or rewritten by users who access the datain the memory. In addition to being non-volatile, the flash memorydevice can offer fast read access times, and can be generally shock andheat resistant.

In yet another embodiment, the flash memory device can be totallyisolated within a housing, with the only access being via a plug orsocket in an access opening facing the interior of the cab. The housingcan be mounted in the interior of the cab, optionally in the dashboardor near the driver space. This can provide easy and repeatablyconsistent access to the flash memory device and information storedtherein regarding the firefighting apparatus.

In even another embodiment, the housing can be mounted in a mountingaperture defined in the dashboard or elsewhere in the cab interior. Thehousing can include a sidewall that bounds at least a portion of aninterior compartment of the housing. The flash memory device can bedisposed and protected within the interior compartment.

In a further embodiment, the housing can define an access openingproviding access to the interior compartment. The access opening can beselectively occluded by a cover joined with the housing. In turn, thiscan provide another level of structural protection to the flash memorydevice.

In still a further embodiment, the housing can include a flangeextending from the sidewall. The flange can be secured with fastenersand permanently mounted to the dashboard so that the housing is notremovable from the dashboard without the use of tools.

The current embodiments provide a simple and effective construction thatcan permanently retain and store data and associated information, suchas manuals, diagrams and guides, pertaining to a firefighting apparatuson the apparatus itself, thereby eliminating the likelihood that theinformation will be disassociated from the vehicle, lost or otherwisemisplaced by personnel using the data. Because the flash memory deviceis a simple memory construction, and is isolated from all operating,electrical and network systems on the apparatus, it is easy to installand is unlikely to undergo any damage due to electrical faults or issueson the apparatus or within the onboard operating systems or networks.The device also is easily coupled to an external, portable computingdevice so that a user can readily display relevant information and thelike to perform repair, maintenance, troubleshooting or other activitiesrelative to the firefighting apparatus.

These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention willbe more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the descriptionof the current embodiments and the drawings.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited to the details ofoperation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of thecomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in thedrawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodimentsand of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways notexpressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant toencompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well asadditional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may beused in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwiseexpressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed aslimiting the invention to any specific order or number of components.Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from thescope of the invention any additional steps or components that might becombined with or into the enumerated steps or components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a firefighting or rescue apparatus in the formof a fire truck including a cab according to a current embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the firefighting apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the firefighting apparatus;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a flash memory device andhousing of the firefighting apparatus being installed relative to adashboard of the firefighting apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the flash memory device andhousing of the firefighting apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a section view of the housing and flash memory device; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the firefighting apparatus with aportable computing device plugged into the flash memory device so thatdata stored in a memory of the flash memory device can be uploaded anddisplayed as information on a display of the portable computing device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS

A current embodiment of a firefighting apparatus is illustrated in FIGS.1-7 and generally designated 10. The firefighting apparatus, referred toherein as a fire truck, can be a self-propelled vehicle, for example, apumper truck as shown. Of course, although shown as a pumper fire truck,the firefighting apparatus optionally can be another type of fire truck,such as an aerial ladder truck, an emergency vehicle, a rescue vehicleand other modes of transportation such as tanker trucks or trailers,bush trucks, aerial ladder trailers or other equipment.

The fire truck 10 can include a frame, which can be mounted to a chassiswhich can be further mounted to multiple wheels 32. The wheels can beattached to conventional front 32AF and rear 32AR axles, which arefurther attached to the chassis of the truck. The fire truck can bemobilized via an internal combustion engine which drives the wheels viaa transmission.

The fire truck 10 can include one or more onboard electronic devices,computing devices, computers, controllers, networks, electrical systemsand/or circuits, collectively referred to herein as “onboard operatingsystems” 10C of the firefighting apparatus. These onboard operatingsystems can operate the engine, transmission, steering controls, pumps,monitoring components, gauges, ladders, turntables, and otheraccessories of the firefighting apparatus. Some may monitor and controlthe status and operation of various components of the firefightingapparatus. Others may regulate and control various electricalcomponents, devices and accessories onboard the apparatus. Yet othersmight record the flow of signals and data relating to the operation andcontrol of the apparatus and its components. Generally, the onboardoperating systems are physically mounted on and remain on the apparatusduring its useful life. Some of the systems, however, may be updated(via software updates or structural updates), replaced, repaired and/orserviced from time to time, in which case the systems can be detached orremoved from the apparatus.

The frame 30 can include a forward portion 31 and a rearward portion 33located at opposite ends of the fire truck 10. Generally the rear wheels32′ and their axle 32AR are located in the rearward portion 33 of thefire truck 10. The front or steering wheels 32 can be located in theforward portion 31 of the fire truck, and mounted to a front axle 32AF.The frame 30 in the forward portion 31 can include a cab 34. The cab 34can house occupants, such as firefighters or rescue personnel, as theyare transported to and from an emergency location. The cab 34 caninclude controls, such as a steering mechanism 34S and various displaysinside the cab to monitor and evaluate the operation of the vehicle 10.The cab can terminate a distance of several feet rearward of the frontwheels 32, or generally forward of the pump controls 36 and/or rearwardportion 33 of the fire truck 10.

On the frame, rearward of the cab 34 a pump control panel 36 can bemounted. Under or behind the pump control panel 36, one or more pumps 37can be mounted. These pumps can be mounted to the frame. Generally, thepump 37 can be in fluid communication with a firefighting fluid tank 38mounted to the frame in the rearward portion 33, and/or a source offirefighting fluid external to the truck, such as a fire hydrant. Thepump also can be in fluid communication with one or more hoses orwaterways 47 as described below. The pump can be configured to conveyfirefighting fluid from the external source or the tank 38 to the hose47 in a forced manner so that the firefighting fluid can be applied to afire.

The hose 47 can be operable to transfer a continuous supply offirefighting fluid to the water outlet 48 which is generally in the formof a nozzle. Generally, the hose receives pressurized firefighting fluidfrom a pump 37 and storage tank 38 on the frame 30. A nozzle 48 assistsin pressurizing and/or shaping the continuous stream of firefightingfluid from the hose 47 toward a fire in a burning building, in a vehicleor elsewhere.

In addition to the cab 34, the frame 30 optionally can include a body39, rearward of the cab, having lockers 30L mounted rearward of the pumpcontrol panel 36, generally in the rearward portion 33 of the fire truck10. The body can conceal all or a portion of the tank 38. The lockers30L optionally can be located on and accessible from the first 35A andsecond 35B sides of the fire truck, and can be sized and configured tostore supplies and equipment useful for easy access at an emergencylocation.

Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 7, the cab 34 can be located in the forwardportion 31 of the frame 30. The cab can be adapted to house one or moreoccupants of the apparatus. Those occupants can be firefighters,drivers, rescue victims, officers, authorities or other personnel.Although referred to as an occupant, that phrase is not necessarily meanthat the person is occupying or in the cab. Rather it may be that anoccupant is a person standing upon the truck, for example on the body oron a platform, or a person waiting to board the truck, standing on theground. The cab 34 can be configured to include one or more exteriordoors on the first 35A and second 35B sides of the truck 10. As anexample, on the driver side of the truck, a first door 41 can bedisposed.

The first door 41 can be mounted in an opening 410 defined by the cab,and can be selectively opened and closed relative to the cab, to providean occupant ingress and egress relative to a cab interior 34I. The firstexterior door 41 can be located forward of the front axle 32AF and canprovide access to a driver's seat or more generally the driver space DSof the apparatus.

The first door 41 can be swingably mounted to the cab via a hinge sothat the door can swing open in the direction S1, generally toward thefront of the truck and away from the front wheels 32 and cab 34. Thedoor 41 can include a front edge 41F and a rear edge 41R. The door alsocan be outfitted with a handle 41A that is configured to open and closethe door, providing a securing latch or lock mechanism so that the doorremains shut when desired.

The cab 34 can include front windows 34W that provide visibility outfrom the cab and from the driver space DS and in general the cabinterior 34I. The windows can be mounted forward of the driver space DS.The cab interior can be outfitted with one or more dashboards 50 and 52.The dashboard 50 can include one or more displays 50D, gauges 50G,controls 50C or other components to provide visual feedback to theoccupant O, for example a driver or a technician, regarding operatingparameters of the apparatus 10. As a further example, the gauges can beitems such as tachometers, speedometers, oil pressure gauges, watertemperature gauges and the like. The display can be an LCD screen. Thecontrol can be a switch, for example a toggle switch, configured tooperate different components, such as lights, of the apparatus 10.

The second dashboard 52 can serve as a center console. It can optionallycover a portion of an engine or other components of the apparatus 10.The second dashboard 52 can include controls 52C and/or a display 52D.The second dashboard 52 can be adjacent the first dashboard 50. In somecases the two dashboards can be joined as a single, continuousdashboard. Generally, one or both of the dashboards 50 and 52 isdisplaced rearwardly of the front windows 34W, between the driver spaceDS and those front windows 34W. In this location, at least the dashboard50 forwardly bounds the driver space DS. Further optionally, within thedriver space DS a steering wheel 34S can be disposed. The steering wheel34S can be mounted over and/or rearward of the dashboard 50, andgenerally forward of the seat 34F in the driver space DS. Although shownon the left side of the apparatus 10, the steering wheel and firstdashboard 50, to be utilized by a driver, can alternatively be disposedon the right side of the apparatus 10, depending on the constructionstandards for vehicles in the country of use.

As shown in FIG. 4, the dashboard 50 can include a rearward facingsurface 55. This rearward facing surface 55 can generally face towardthe driver space DS. This rearward facing surface 55 can include amounting panel 55P. The mounting panel can be located in an upperportion, upper quadrant or upper half of the dashboard so that it andanything mounted to it are readily visible to an occupant in the driverspace. This location can enable the occupant to readily identify thatthe truck is equipped with the present mounted flash memory devicehaving manuals and instructions, and to quickly locate that helpfuldevice. Optionally, the mounting panel can be disposed closer to orfarther from a longitudinal axis LA of the fire truck than the steeringwheel. Further optionally, the mounting panel and device can be locateddistal from and outside an engine bay or engine compartment of theapparatus 10.

The mounting panel 55P can define a mounting aperture 53. The mountingaperture as illustrated can be of a circular shape. Of course, dependingon the application, the mounting aperture defined by the panel can besquare, rectangular, polygonal or some other shape. Optionally, themounting panel can also include one or more fastener holes 54, which canbe configured to receive fasteners 64 as described further below. Insome cases, the mounting panel 55P can be constructed from metal. Inothers, mounting panel can be constructed from a composite or polymericmaterial, optionally overlaid with padding, a cover, and/or an aestheticappliqué. Further optionally, although shown in an upper portion of thedashboard, the mounting panel can be disposed in a lower portion, lowerquadrant or lower half of the dashboard, or even under the dashboard. Insome cases, the mounting panel can be disposed distal from thedashboard, somewhere else in the driver space, the cab interior, orelsewhere on the truck.

As mentioned above, the firefighting apparatus 10 can include a flashmemory device 70 permanently mounted in the cab interior 34I. As shownin FIGS. 4-7, the flash memory device 70 can be fixedly and securelyinstalled in a housing 60. The housing 60 can be constructed to definean interior compartment 60I within which the flash memory device 70 ishoused or otherwise disposed. In particular, the housing 60 can beconstructed to include a sidewall 60S. As shown, the sidewall is in theform of a cylindrical sidewall that circumferentiates all or a portionof the interior compartment 60I and optionally the flash memory device70. Of course, in other applications, the housing can include multiplesidewalls, that form a polygonal, rounded, elliptical or other shape.

The sidewall and the housing 60 can extend from a first end 61 to asecond 62. The first end 61 can be open, generally defining an accessopening 61O. The second end, distal from the first end can be closed,and can include another wall, for example a bottom wall 60B. This bottomwall can be glued, welded, cemented, fastened or otherwise joined orformed with the second end 60S2 of the sidewall 60S. Optionally, thebottom wall 60B and sidewall 60S form a closed interior compartment 60I,which but for the access opening 61O, includes no other openings orholes at which through which to access or connect via hardwire the flashmemory device 70. Further optionally, in some applications, there are nowires, cords or other communication/data transfer structural membersextending out from the sidewalls and/or bottom wall from the interiorcompartment 60I, except those that extend through the access opening 61Oalone.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first end 61 of the housing 60 can be configuredto receive an optional cover 64. This cover can cover and conceal thecontents of the interior compartment, for example the flash memorydevice 70. In turn, when installed, the cover can prevent dust, debrisand other elements from inadvertently entering the interior compartment,possibly causing damage to the flash memory device 70 and/or anassociated coupler. The cover 64 can include optional threads 64T thatcorrespond to threads 61T disposed on the first end 61 of the housingand generally on the first end 6151 of the sidewall 60S. In this manner,the cover can be threaded onto and secured to the housing, therebyclosing off the access opening. If desired, the cover 64 can be joinedwith a tether 64C that is further joined with a component of the housing60. In this manner, the cover 64 is less likely to be disassociated fromthe housing 60, lost or misplaced.

Optionally, the cover 64 can be configured differently, yet still closeoff the access opening 61O. For example, the cover can be a flip-topcover joined with the first end. As another example, the cover can be asliding cover disassociated from the housing that slides over the accessopening. As yet another example, the cover can be an elastic cover thattightly fits over the end of the housing to conceal the access opening.Other types of covers are contemplated.

The housing 60 optionally can include a flange 60F. The flange canextend outwardly from the sidewall 61S in multiple directions. Theflange 60F optionally can circumferentiate housing 60 and in particularthe sidewall 61S. As shown, the flange can be in the form of arectangular plate. Of course, the plate can be of other shapes, such ascircular or polygonal, depending on the application. The plate issecured to the housing 60 so as to separate the housing into a forwardportion 67 and a rearward portion 68. The forward portion 67 can includethe access opening 61O, and the rearward portion 68 can include thebottom wall 60B. Optionally, the forward portion 67 extends rearward ofthe dashboard panel 55P when the housing is installed in the mountingaperture 53 of the dashboard. The forward portion 67 can be visible whenthe housing is installed in the dashboard, while the rearward portion 68can be hidden behind the mounting panel 55P, generally inside thedashboard.

The flange 60F can be welded, glued, cemented or otherwise fastened tothe exterior of the sidewall 61S. The flange is securely and permanentlyaffixed to the sidewall 61S in a predetermined location. The flange 60Falso can define one or more apertures 64A that are configured to receivetherethrough one or more fasteners 64. These fasteners 64 can be alignedwith and can extend through the holes 54 defined by the mounting panel55P when the housing is mounted to the mounting panel and dashboard. Thefasteners can secure the housing 60 to the mounting panel and/ordashboard so that the housing 60 and any flash memory device therein isnot removable from the mounting panel and/or dashboard without the useof tools. Optionally, the flange can be void of fastener holes, and theflange can instead be glued, cemented, welded, molded or otherwisefixedly secured to the mounting panel 55P of the dashboard. With any ofthese connections, the flange and generally the housing cannot beremoved by the mounting panel or dashboard without the use of tools.Further optionally, the flange can be absent from the housing in thehousing sidewall fixedly and permanently secured directly to themounting panel 55P, and even further optionally not extending into anytype of mounting aperture. This can be achieved via gluing, cementing,welding, molding or threading the housing directly to the mounting panel55P.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the diameter D1 of the mounting aperture 53can be slightly larger than the outer diameter or dimension D2 of thehousing 60. In this manner, the housing can easily fit through themounting aperture 53. Optionally, there may be other layers, such aspadding or aesthetic appliqués that include a similarly sized mountingaperture and are disposed adjacent the mounting panel 55P. In somecases, the padding or appliqué can extend over and conceal the mountingflange 60F. In other cases, the mounting flange can be mounted to theinterior surface or forward facing surface 57 of the mounting panel 55P.

Optionally, the flange 60F can include a seal or bumper 60S. This sealcan be disposed between the flange and the front surface of the mountingpanel 55P when the housing is mounted to the panel. The seal can beconstructed from an elastomeric material, such as rubber, silicone orsome thermoplastic material. This can provide dampening to reduce theamount of vibration imparted to the flash memory device 70 disposedwithin the housing, thereby improving its longevity.

Generally, when the housing is installed in the dashboard 50, oroptionally the dashboard 52, or somewhere else within the cab interior34I, a portion of it, in particular the access opening 61O, is visibleto and accessible by an occupant or user. Accordingly, the user canaccess the flash memory device 70 and upload or download or otherwiseaccess data and information stored in memory on the flash memory deviceas further explained below.

As mentioned above, the housing 60 defines an interior compartment 60I.The flash memory device 70 can be disposed completely substantiallyentirely within that interior compartment 60I as shown in FIG. 6. Theflash memory device 70 can be joined with the sidewall 60S of thehousing using glue, cement, epoxy or some other polymer 72. Optionally,although not shown, the flash memory device 70 and its components can becompletely embedded in and encapsulated by a plastic, epoxy and/orcement that fill a substantial portion of the interior compartment 60I.

The flash memory device can include a board or support substrate 73 towhich one or more memory modules 76 are joined. The substrate can befurther joined with a support ring 74 that optionally can center andsupport the substrate relative to the interior compartment 61I andsidewall 61S. The flash memory device and its memory modules also can befurther electrically coupled to a coupler 80. The coupler 80 can beaccessible through the access opening. The substrate and memory modulescan be concealed behind the support ring 74 so they cannot be tamperedwith or inadvertently damaged. The coupler 80 can be configured so thatit is disposed within and does not extend beyond the sidewall 60S, andoptionally does not project beyond the first end 61 of the housing. Ofcourse in other cases, the coupler 80 can extend beyond that end 61beyond the sidewall, generally outward from the housing 60. As shown inFIG. 6, the coupler 80 can be disposed substantially entirely within theinterior compartment 60I of the housing 60.

The coupler 80 can be universal serial bus (USB) coupler. For example,coupler 80 can be a USB plug capable of being electrically coupled to aUSB socket of a portable computing device 100 as explained furtherbelow. Although not shown, the coupler 80 can be a USB socket capable ofbeing coupled to a USB plug of the portable computing device. In othercases, the USB coupler and device in general could be modified for usewith any suitable computer serial bus. For example, the device andcoupler could be modified for use with IEEE 1394 (Firewire) protocol bysubstituting the USB coupler with a Firewire protocol compatible plug,interface device and socket respectively. The coupler 80 also can bemodified to provide any other standard/proprietary interface to connectthe flash memory device 70 to the portable computing device 100.

In some applications, the coupler 80 can be deleted. Optionally, inthose applications, the access opening also can be closed off withanother wall or top so that the flash memory device is fully containedand/or sealed within the interior compartment. The flash memory devicecan provide data to portable computing device 100, and/or the portablecomputing device can selectively access the data via wireless, RFID,Bluetooth, optical or other non-contact techniques. The data can bestored in the device 70, with the data accessed by the device 100. Thedevice 70 can be passive during this access, and not activelytransmitting the data but rather having the data uploaded at the commandof the device 100 from device 70.

The flash memory device 70 optionally can include non-volatile solidstate memory. Some optional non-volatile memory examples include ROM,such as Mask ROM, PROM EPROM, EEPROM, NVRAM, such as nvSRAM, FeRAM,MRAM, PRAM and/or any of 3D XPoint, CBRAM, SONOS, RRAM, NRAM, FJG RAM,and/or any combinations of the foregoing, depending on the application.

The flash memory device can be in the form of a variety of differentflash memory devices and/or cards. Optionally, the flash memory devicecan any one of devices such as the CompactFlash (CF), the MultiMediaCard(MMC), Secure Digital (SD), miniSD, Memory Stick, SmartMedia andTransFlash cards, all commercially available from SanDisk Corporation ofMilpitas, Calif. Although each of the foregoing has a unique mechanicaland/or interface or coupler according to its standardized specifications(for example, The Universal Serial Bus (USB) specification, incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety), the flash memory included in eachcan be similar. Other flash memory devices include a line of flashdrives that are hand held memory systems in small packages that have aUSB plug for connecting with a computing device by plugging into thecomputing device's USB socket. The flash memory device also canoptionally include one or more controllers that interface with thecomputing device and control operation of the flash memory within it.

The flash memory device 70, and in particular its memory, stores datathat is useful in maintaining, repairing and/or servicing the apparatus10. For example, the memory of the flash memory device 70 stores dataregarding a service manual concerning the firefighting apparatus. Theservice manual data can include information concerning routine and/orperiodic service to the apparatus, such as oil changes, transmissionfluid changes, coolant fluid changes, hydraulic operating diagrams, pumpservice, specifications and the like. The maintenance manual data caninclude information concerning upkeep and maintenance of thefirefighting apparatus and its components and accessories. Theelectrical diagram data can include information regarding electricaldiagrams for electrical systems, components and systems on thefirefighting apparatus, diagrams and schematics regarding onboardoperating systems and the like. The troubleshooting guide data caninclude information to enable a technician or other user to identify,address and/or correct problems with the firefighting apparatus. Theseproblems may be associated with the physical components of the truck,such as the engine, transmission, pump, lights, onboard operating systemor other items.

The service manual data, maintenance manual data, troubleshooting guidedata, electrical diagram data and any other data in the memory of theflash memory device can be selectively uploaded to the portablecomputing device. All or part of the data is displayed in a humanreadable and/or cognizable format on a display 101 of the portablecomputing device interfacing and/or coupled to flash memory device 70.When displayed, the data can be in the form of repair, maintenance,service and troubleshooting resources in the form of textual servicemanuals, maintenance manuals, repair manuals, field instructions,schematics, block diagrams, and accompanying diagrams and images for thesame, as well as the electrical diagrams and troubleshooting guides.This displayed data can be utilized by the user, who can be atechnician, mechanic or other person skilled in or tasked withservicing, maintaining, repairing, troubleshooting or otherwise workingon the firefighting apparatus 10.

The flash memory device 70 can be a standalone memory that is incapableof communicating with, transmitting data or signals to, or receivingdata or signals from, any onboard operating system or other component ofthe apparatus. Instead, the flash memory device 70 can be dedicatedsolely to storing data regarding the information noted above. The flashmemory device 70 can be fully electronically and electrically isolatedfrom and/or out of communication with all onboard operating systems ofthe firefighting apparatus. Optionally, it is not connected via anywiring, Bluetooth, RFID, cellular, optical or other modes of connectionor transmission to any of the onboard operating systems. Therefore, itdoes not receive any data from, nor transmit any data to, those onboardoperating systems.

Further optionally, the only way data can be extracted from the flashmemory device 70 is by connecting the portable computing device 100 viathe coupler and/or otherwise transmitting information from the flashmemory device to the portable computing device 100 as noted herein. Thedata in the flash memory device 70 also does not control, direct orbackup any onboard operating system. The flash memory device 70optionally is isolated so that it is incapable of receiving any onboardoperating data pertaining to the operation and/or status of thefirefighting apparatus. In this manner, the flash memory device 70 canbe configured so it does not receive any diagnostic data, error codes,or default codes or the like from any onboard operating system componentof the firefighting apparatus.

As described further below, the portable computing device 100 can be anysmall and manually portable computing device, for example, laptop andother portable computers, cellular telephones, personal digitalassistants, image viewers, digital still cameras, digital movie cameras,portable audio players and the like. The portable computing device caninclude an interface 103 compatible with the coupler 80 so that data canbe transferred via a hardwire 104 from the flash memory device 70 to theportable computing device 100. As mentioned above, the coupler 80 can bein the form of a USB plug. The interface 103 can be in the form of asocket. The socket can be joined with a hardwire or connector cord 104that further plugs into and is in communication with the portablecomputing device 100. Optionally, in cases where the flash memory device70 is sealed or fully physically isolated within the housing 70, theportable computing device can communicate via Bluetooth, cellular, orother wireless techniques with the flash memory device to obtain datatherefrom.

In some cases, the portable computing device can only read data from theflash memory device and its memory. Optionally, the portable computingdevice cannot overwrite or write data and transfer it to the flashmemory device. In other cases, the feature of over writing or writingdata to the memory maybe suitable, particularly where repair, serviceand/or maintenance manuals are updated based on new information from themanufacturer of the firefighting apparatus and/or its components.

Further optionally, in some cases the portable computing device can havedata uploaded to it from the flash memory device. This information canbe stored in a memory of the portable computing device. In this manner,a user, such as a technician might not upload data from the flash memorydevice every time the user services or works on the firefightingapparatus. Instead, they can simply access the stored information ontheir portable computing device.

The personal computing device 100 can include a display 105. On thisdisplay, the data uploaded or transferred from the flash memory device70 to the personal computing device 100 can be displayed. Generally,that data can be displayed in the form of text, images, diagrams,schematics, charts, videos, audio, and/or in any other form suitable forconveying information regarding the firefighting apparatus as mentionedabove to the user.

Operation of the firefighting or rescue apparatus of the currentembodiments will now be described. The firefighting apparatus 10,optionally in the form of a pumper fire truck, can be used to fightfires in a building or other structure. Usually, the fire truck isserviced or maintained on a routine basis. In cases where a component isbroken or worn out, or the fire truck is damaged, a user, such as atechnician or mechanic, troubleshoots and repairs the fire truck.

With the current firefighting apparatus 10, a routine service ormaintenance activity can proceed as follows. The user O can enter thecab 34 of the driver space DS. The user O comes equipped with theportable computing device 100, which is separate from all onboardoperating systems of the truck. The portable computing device can betruly portable. For example, it is not mounted on wheels but rather canbe easily carried by the user O and can weigh less than about 20 pounds.The portable computing device also can be stored remotely from and notonboard the apparatus when not being used on the apparatus. Optionally,the portable computing device can be used by the user to access andutilize multiple flash memory devices on many different apparatusequipped with flash memory devices. In which case, the portablecomputing device is not associated with or left onboard any particularapparatus. Instead, it can be only temporarily and intermittently usedon a particular apparatus and joined with an associated flash memorydevice.

The portable computing device 100 is powered on, and attached to aconnector cord 104 having the USB socket mentioned above. The user Oremoves the optional cover 64 from the housing 60. This provides accessto the USB plug 80. The user O can attach the USB plug 82 the USB socket103 thereby establishing communication between the flash memory device70 and the portable computing device 100.

When the flash memory device 70 is coupled to (or interfaces wirelesslywith) portable computing device 100, an appropriate user interface canbe launched based on an application stored in flash memory device 70.This user interface is shown on display 105 and can include appropriateforms, graphical information, video/audio messages, websites or otherresources. The user interface enables the user to browse and search thedata and associated information regarding the firefighting apparatusstored in the memory of the flash memory device.

Depending on the task of the user O, that user can select service manualinformation, repair manual information, maintenance manual information,troubleshooting guides, electrical diagrams or any other type ofinformation relating to the firefighting apparatus. The user then goesabout servicing, repairing, maintaining, troubleshooting or otherwiseworking on the firefighting apparatus based on the information displayedon the display 105. The user optionally can download the data providedvia the flash memory device on the personal computing device.

After the fire truck 10 has been adequately worked on using theinformation stored in the flash memory device and conveyed to theportable computing device 100, the user can disconnect the connectorcord 104 from the coupler and generally from the flash memory device.The cover 64 can be replaced on the housing 60 to conceal and protectthe coupler 80 and generally the flash memory device. The portablecomputing device 100 can be completely removed from and transporteddistal relative to the apparatus. During all of the foregoing activity,the flash memory device can remain isolated from the onboard operatingsystems of the apparatus. It neither transmits nor receives anyinformation from those onboard operating systems of the apparatus.Instead, it can primarily enable the user to access that information andreview it on the personal computing device 100.

In general, a method of using the firefighting apparatus of the currentembodiments can include: providing a housing mounted to a dashboard asnoted above, the housing isolating a flash memory device therein fromonboard operating systems; temporarily positioning a portable computingdevice in the cab of the firefighting apparatus; optionally coupling theflash memory device to the portable computing device brought onto theapparatus by a user; transmitting or otherwise conveying data stored inmemory of the flash memory device to the portable computing device;displaying information relating to the data on a display of the portablecomputing device to the user while the portable computing device isconnected to and/or accessing memory of the flash memory device;performing an operation on the firefighting apparatus based on theinformation; optionally decoupling the personal computing device fromthe flash memory device; and removing the portable computing device fromthe apparatus.

With the flash memory device of the firefighting apparatus installedgenerally permanently in the fire truck, optionally in the dash or cab,the helpful information associated with and stored in memory of theflash memory device can be consistently stored, accessed and utilized,without significant risk of losing or otherwise misplacing thatinformation.

Directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,”“upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are usedto assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of theembodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional termsshould not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specificorientations.

The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention.Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from thespirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appendedclaims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles ofpatent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure ispresented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as anexhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limitthe scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated ordescribed in connection with these embodiments. For example, and withoutlimitation, any individual elements of the described invention may bereplaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similarfunctionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes,for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those thatmight be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternativeelements that may be developed in the future, such as those that oneskilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative.Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features thatare described in concert and that might cooperatively provide acollection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to onlythose embodiments that include all of these features or that provide allof the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly setforth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in thesingular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” isnot to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Anyreference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant toinclude any one of X, Y or Z individually, and any combination or anynumber of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A firefighting apparatuscomprising: a frame including a plurality of wheels configured to enabletransportation of the apparatus to an emergency location, the frameincluding a cab defining an interior, a pump joined with the framerearward of the cab, the pump adapted to pump liquid through afirefighting hose; a housing mounted in the cab, the housing defining aninterior compartment, the housing including an access opening providingaccess to the interior compartment, the housing being fixedly andpermanently mounted within the cab so that the housing is not removablefrom the interior of the cab without the use of tools; and a flashmemory device including non-volatile solid-state memory that stores dataregarding the firefighting apparatus, the flash memory devicepermanently mounted in the interior compartment of the housing, whereinthe flash memory device is fully electronically isolated from allonboard operating systems of the firefighting apparatus, and wherein theflash memory device is configured so that a user can temporarily couplea portable computing device, brought temporarily onto the apparatus, tothe flash memory device to selectively access and display the dataregarding the firefighting apparatus, thereby enabling the user toperform work on the firefighting apparatus utilizing such data.
 2. Thefirefighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flash memory device isjoined with a coupler adapted to electrically couple the flash memorydevice to the portable computing device so that the data can beselectively displayed on a display of the computing device to a userthereof, wherein the coupler is a USB plug capable of being coupled to aUSB socket of the portable computing device.
 3. The firefightingapparatus of claim 2, wherein the data regarding the firefightingapparatus includes information concerning at least one of the pump, anengine, a transmission, a hydraulic system, and an electrical system ofthe firefighting apparatus.
 4. The firefighting apparatus of claim 3,comprising: a cover selectively disposable over the USB plug to concealthe USB plug, wherein the data regarding the firefighting apparatusincludes at least one of an electrical diagram, a hydraulic diagram, aservice manual, and a maintenance manual.
 5. A firefighting apparatuscomprising: a frame including a plurality of wheels configured to enabletransportation of the apparatus to an emergency location, the frameincluding a forward portion having a cab and a rearward portion rearwardof the cab, the cab defining an interior having a driver space withinwhich a driver of the firefighting apparatus is located duringmobilization of the firefighting apparatus, a pump disposed in therearward portion of the frame, the pump adapted to pump liquid through afirefighting hose; a dashboard located within the interior of the caband forwardly bounding the driver space, the dashboard including atleast one of a display, a control and a gauge, the interior including amounting panel, the mounting panel defining a mounting aperture; ahousing mounted in the mounting aperture and joined with the mountingpanel, the housing including a sidewall, the sidewall bounding at leasta portion of an interior compartment defined by the housing, the housingincluding an access opening providing access to the interiorcompartment, the housing being fixedly and permanently mounted in theinterior so that the housing is not removable from the interior withoutthe use of tools; a flash memory device including non-volatilesolid-state memory, the memory storing data regarding at least one of aservice manual concerning the firefighting apparatus, a maintenancemanual concerning the firefighting apparatus, an electrical diagramconcerning the firefighting apparatus, a hydraulic diagram concerningthe firefighting apparatus, and a troubleshooting guide concerning thefirefighting apparatus, wherein the flash memory device is permanentlymounted in the interior compartment of the housing, wherein the flashmemory device is joined with a coupler adapted to electrically couplethe flash memory device to a portable computing device so that the datacan be selectively displayed on a display of the computing device to auser thereof, wherein the flash memory device is fully electronicallyisolated from all onboard operating systems of the firefightingapparatus, wherein the flash memory device is unpowered, and whereby theuser can temporarily couple the portable computing device to the flashmemory device via the coupler to selectively access and display the dataregarding at least one of the service manual, the maintenance manual,the electrical diagram, the hydraulic diagram, and the troubleshootingguide, thereby enabling the user to perform work on the firefightingapparatus.
 6. The firefighting apparatus of claim 5, wherein the coupleris a USB plug capable of being coupled to a USB socket of the portablecomputing device.
 7. The firefighting apparatus of claim 6, wherein thehousing is joined with a cover, the cover selectively disposable overthe USB plug to conceal the USB plug.
 8. The firefighting apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein housing includes a flange, wherein the flange extendsoutwardly from the sidewall, wherein the flange is fastened to themounting panel to secure the housing in a fixed relationship relative tothe dashboard, wherein the mounting panel is located in at least one ofa lower portion of the dashboard, under the dashboard, distal from thedashboard, within the driver space, within the cab interior, andelsewhere in the firefighting apparatus.
 9. The firefighting apparatusof claim 5, wherein the housing includes a bottom joined with thesidewall, wherein the access opening faces the driver's space, whereinthe access opening is the only access to the interior compartment,wherein the is the flash memory device is installed in the interiorcompartment.
 10. The firefighting apparatus of claim 9 wherein the flashmemory device and the coupler are disposed entirely within the interiorcompartment without extending beyond the access opening.
 11. Thefirefighting apparatus of claim 5, wherein the housing includes athreaded portion adjacent the access opening, wherein a cover includinga corresponding threaded portion is threadably received on the threadedportion of the housing.
 12. The firefighting apparatus of claim 5,wherein the data regarding the firefighting apparatus includesinformation concerning at least one of the pump, an engine, atransmission, a hydraulic system, and an electrical system of thefirefighting apparatus.
 13. The firefighting apparatus of claim 5,wherein the housing includes a forward portion that extends away from arearward facing surface of the mounting panel, wherein the forwardportion is selectively joined with a cover, wherein the cover isconfigured to close the access opening, thereby confining the flashmemory device entirely within the interior compartment.
 14. Thefirefighting apparatus of claim 13, wherein the coupler is the onlypoint of attachment to the flash memory device, wherein the coupler iscapable of electrically coupling to the portable computing device. 15.The firefighting apparatus of claim 5, wherein the flash memory deviceis isolated so that the flash memory device is incapable of receivingany onboard operating data pertaining to the operation and status of thefirefighting apparatus.
 16. A firefighting apparatus comprising: a frameincluding a plurality of wheels configured to enable transportation ofthe apparatus to an emergency location; a pump disposed in a rearwardportion of the frame, the pump adapted to pump liquid through afirefighting hose; a cab mounted over at least one of the plurality ofwheels, forward of the rearward portion, the cab defining an interiorhaving a dashboard mounted forward of a driver space and a mountingpanel; a housing mounted in the interior, the housing including asidewall, the sidewall bounding at least a portion of an interiorcompartment defined by the housing, the housing including an accessopening providing access to the interior compartment, the housing beingfixedly and permanently mounted to the mounting panel in the interior ofthe cab so that the housing is not removable from the mounting panelwithout the use of tools; a flash memory device adapted to store dataregarding at least one of a service manual concerning the firefightingapparatus, a maintenance manual concerning the firefighting apparatus,an electrical diagram concerning the firefighting apparatus, a hydraulicdiagram concerning the firefighting apparatus, and a troubleshootingguide concerning the firefighting apparatus, wherein the flash memorydevice is permanently mounted in the interior compartment of thehousing, wherein the flash memory device configured so that a portablecomputing device can access the data so that the data can be selectivelydisplayed on a display of the computing device to a user thereof,wherein the flash memory device is incapable of receiving any onboardoperating data pertaining to the operation and status of thefirefighting apparatus and is fully electronically isolated from allonboard operating systems of the firefighting apparatus, and whereby theuser can, with the portable computing device, selectively access anddisplay the data regarding at least one of the service manual, themaintenance manual, the electrical diagram, the hydraulic diagram, andthe troubleshooting guide, thereby enabling the user to perform work onthe firefighting apparatus.
 17. The firefighting apparatus of claim 16,wherein the mounting panel is located in at least one of a lower portionof the dashboard, under the dashboard, distal from the dashboard, withinthe driver space, and within the cab interior, and wherein the flashmemory device is accessible only within the interior of the cab, whereinthe data stored in the flash memory device includes informationconcerning at least one of the pump, an engine, a transmission, ahydraulic system, and an electrical system of the firefightingapparatus.
 18. The firefighting apparatus of claim 16, wherein the flashmemory device is selectively concealed within the housing via a coverjoined with the housing and extending over the access opening.
 19. Thefirefighting apparatus of claim 18, wherein the housing includes aforward portion that extends away from a front surface of the dashboard,wherein the forward portion is selectively joined with the cover,wherein the cover is configured to close the access opening, therebyconfining the flash memory device entirely within the interiorcompartment.
 20. The firefighting apparatus of claim 19, wherein theflash memory device includes non-volatile solid-state memory, whereinthe flash memory device is joined with a coupler that is a USB plug, theUSB plug joined with a USB socket of the portable computing device.